three-phase

three-phase

A technician connects a three-phase motor in an industrial workshop.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Relating to a system with three alternating currents: "three-phase" describes an electrical power system that uses three separate alternating currents, each offset in phase by 120 degrees, commonly used for industrial and high-power applications.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:
    • The factory uses a three-phase power supply for its heavy machinery. (Describes an electrical system with three alternating currents for industrial use.)
    • Three-phase motors are more efficient than single-phase motors for large equipment. (Describes motors designed for three-phase current systems.)
    • The electrician installed a three-phase circuit to handle the increased load. (Refers to an electrical circuit using three-phase power.)
Advanced Usage
  • "three-phase system": a specific arrangement of electrical generation, transmission, or distribution using three alternating currents.
    • A three-phase system provides a smoother power delivery and is ideal for large-scale operations. (Refers to the entire electrical infrastructure using three phases.)
  • "three-phase transformer": a transformer designed to handle three-phase power.
    • The new three-phase transformer was installed to regulate voltage across the plant. (A device that adapts voltage for three-phase circuits.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Three (n, adj): the number 3.
    • The project has three phases of development. (The number three used as a modifier.)
  • Phase (n): a distinct stage or period in a process or cycle.
    • The construction entered its second phase last week. (A stage in a sequence.)
  • Single-phase (adj): relating to an electrical system with one alternating current.
    • Household appliances typically run on single-phase power. (The opposite of three-phase.)
Synonyms
  • Polyphase: relating to an electrical system with multiple alternating currents (often used interchangeably with three-phase in specific contexts).
    • Polyphase motors are common in industrial settings. (A broader term that includes three-phase systems.)
  • Multi-phase: involving more than one phase.
    • Multi-phase power is preferred for high-load applications. (A general synonym for systems with multiple phases.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • (No phrasal verbs directly associated with "three-phase"; it is a compound adjective used with nouns like "power," "system," or "motor.")
Related Idioms
  • (No idioms directly associated with "three-phase"; it is a technical term without figurative usage.)